Annual Family Beach Camping

Last week, we traveled to South Carlsbad State Beach for our official end-of-summer family camping trip. It was only a couple of days, but what an absolutely fantastic little getaway!

God granted us perfect weather, perfect water, and perfectly peaceful sunsets. I am so very grateful to my wonderful husband for planning this trip each year. Six months ago, he was up at six in the morning to prepare the computers for the mad rush to get our favorite space.

After a crazy summer of camps, moving Mom, and other very emotionally trying events, we were able to escape for a few days of simple, relaxing family time. And no injuries--no stings, face plants--just a little sunburn. Praise God for His infinite goodness, mercy, and awesome creation.

Mark prepares the kindling for our evening campfire

Master Fire Builder

John Michael was determined to get his kite in the air--to no avail

Our new favorite camp food. Got the idea from Cub Scout Day Camp biscuits on a stick.

Happy Campers

We named our new culinary invention Dog in a Diaper (Steve nixed the cruder Logs in a Diaper) served with Grandma Gross' Baked Beans and cole slaw.

My favorite part--the boys are now old enough to do all the dishes!  Thanks boys!

. . . for the perfect s'more

The perfect marshmallow . . .

Age-old pastime whittling

My best attempt to capture the beauty of the night

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

I am attempting to get back into the swing of the liturgical calendar--at least with food. Since Steve is a Third Order Carmelite, it was fitting to start with the Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Dinner was simple--zucchini and sausage--but I made a giant brownie scapular for dessert. I combined a couple of ideas from Catholic Cuisine.

Prayer to St. Joseph the Worker

 Glorious St. Joseph, model of all who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work in the spirit of penance in expiation of my many sins; to work conscientiously by placing love of duty above my inclinations; to gratefully and joyously deem it an honor to employ and to develop by labor the gifts I have received from God, to work methodically, peacefully, and in moderation and patience, without ever shrinking from it through weariness or difficulty to work; above all, with purity of intention and unselfishness, having unceasingly before my eyes death and the account I have to render of time lost, talents unused, good not done, and vain complacency in success, so baneful to the work of God. All for Jesus, all for Mary, all to imitate thee, O patriarch St. Joseph! This shall be my motto for life and eternity." - Pope Pius IX

He is Risen. Alleluia, Alleluia

But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.  He is not here; for He is risen, as He said."
Matthew 28:1-9 ; Mark 16:1-8 
Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-10

Triduum and Easter

Holy Thursday

We celebrated Holy Thursday with our traditional pseudo-seder meal. In the past, we have said the prayers, drank sweet wine, and tried our best to serve authentic food. This year, with the boys in school and getting older, we settled for our favorites and retold the story of Passover and The Last Supper.

Herb Encrusted Roast Leg of Lamb with Rosemary Potatoes (Emeril),
Charoses with salted Matzos,
parsley and radishes dipped in salted water.

Good Friday

The day began with driving the boys to school (those darn public schools), then a memorial service for a dear friend's mother. Though funerals are not permitted, the local priest was able to offer a short prayer service. We gathered at a neighbor's home for a simple reception.
Since the children had a regular school day, Mark had gymnastics, and I failed to plan for attendance at Good Friday services, we spent the rest of the day rather normally--just a little more reflective. A simple dinner of Lentil Soup and bread, prayers and bed.

Holy Saturday

For the past nine years (oh, my, has it been that long?) we have gone to Pines Park on Holy Saturday for the annual candy scramble Easter Egg Hunt with our parish mothers' group, St. Anne's Circle. This year, only Mark wanted to go with me, so we kept it simple and went for a few hours to visit with old friends and play at the park. It was a lovely no-stress morning on an absolutely beautiful spring day.

As is our custom, Thursday's leftover lamb
serves double duty for a Greek feast of lamb pitas
with tzatziki served with cucumbers, greek olives, feta cheese, and a Greek salad.
Mmmmm good!

The first year with no Easter Bunny

The only photo we took on Easter Sunday--it's a long story!

St. Patrick's Day

Everyone is Irish on St. Paddy's Day! Traditional Nearly traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage with homemade Irish soda bread (I didn't realize it was a quick bread). Oh, was it all good. We were blessed to have Mom with us for the weekend to share in our lovely celebration.

My "New" Kitchen

Finally getting around to posting pictures of my kitchen remodel (summer 2010). Of course, we still haven't finished--there's a hole in the ceiling where we tore out the old vent and had a new one installed. Unfortunately, we tried to go on the cheap and got what we paid for--a hack job that we now have to redo. We also thought the cabinets were going to go all the way to the ceiling, so we didn't bother doing any finish work up there--oops. At least we have something to keep us busy over spring break.

Calico 2012

The Griffin patrol did all the cooking for themselves and their families

This year's trip to Calico was the best ever. We couldn't have asked for better weather--not too hot or cold, and the wind didn't reach more than about 5-10 mph. It sure beat the freezing temps and 40 mph non-stop winds of past desert adventures!

Pancakes the size of your head!

John Michael--Yellow Belt

Our new school offers Tae Kwan Do in seventh and eighth grade. The students performed a demonstration for parents and families.

To earn the yellow belt, the students are required to break a board. Piece of cake!

God's Promise

Candlemas

Our pure white dinner of pork chops, mashed potatoes, and cauliflower

White mini orchids for Our Lady